Organizations recognize Frieda's for contributions

Friedaâs Specialty Produce Inc., Los Alamitos, Calif., has been recognized for its contributions to the community by two area organizations.

The company received a business award by the Orange County Business Journal and California State University-Fullertonâs family business council Nov. 19 in Irvine, Calif.

That was followed by the Second Harvest Food Bank honoring the 47-year-old company with its first-ever Community Partner Award on Nov. 24 in Irvine.

Friedaâs received the business award in the mid-size business category for its success, family involvement and industry and community contributions, according to a release from Friedaâs.

âThis is a great honor for our family and for the whole Friedaâs company, because it is like a family to us,â Jackie Caplan Wiggins, vice president and daughter of founder Frieda Caplan, said in the release.

Since 2003, Friedaâs Inc. has donated 1.3 million pound of fresh produce to the Second Harvest food bank, according to another news release. The company donates about three to five pallets surplus perishable items each week instead of selling them to discount vendors, according to the release.

âIt is our privilege and honor to receive this award from Second Harvest Food Bank,â Caplan Wiggins said in the release. âWe hope that more companies are able to be in a position like we are, and continue to support organizations like Second Harvest to end hunger in Orange County, all of California, and beyond.â